iTunes Editors’ Notes

Radiohead drummer Philip Selway’s first solo album is a collection of orchestrated folk that sounds a bit like The Bends-era Radiohead tripped up with British folk kings Nick Drake and John Martyn and modern heroes Mojave 3 and Elliot Smith. Selway’s voice is a purr of mellow desperation as poignant as the late Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse. Wilco’s Glenn Kotche and Patrick Sansone add backing support and multi-instrumentalist Lisa Germano reaches inward for the most soulful of string arrangements. “By Some Miracle” begins things beautifully with a solemn whisper as sweet as Elliot Smith. There’s a muted choir feel within the church-like solemnity of “A Simple Life.” “The Ties That Bind Us” is catchy chamber-folk-pop with a deep sense of longing. “Patron Saint” uses exquisite fingerpicking. “Falling” is the closest piece of Nick Drake appreciation this side of Duncan Sheik. “The Witching Hour” is a gentle lullaby. It’s a shockingly straightforward and emotionally touching album from a guy in one of the world’s most artistically engineered bands.

Customer Reviews

Phil Selway...All The More Reason To Love Music!

by
Jakes2Nice

Yes, I am a Radiohead fan. Thom Yorke is inspiration to me. Jonny Greenwood makes amazing original scores. But, of course...no one should ever forget that the backbone of all these amazing collaborators is Phil Selway. His percussion have been a favorite of mine since I first started listening to OK Computer back in 1997.It's "no surprise" then, for me, to see a drummer turn singer/songwriter using minimalistic drums. Leave it up to the TALENTED crew from Radiohead to always surprise you!Summary: Beautiful Melodies, Relaxing Vibes, And Surprisingly Subtle yet enjoyable vocals from Phil Selway leads to a very enlightening experience! Hope to hear even more new material from these guys soon!

Phil Selway is amazing

by
RyanBock

Not only is he one of the best drummers in the world but he can sing!! This is very different from radiohead but it's still great. It's very relaxing with good hooks that get stuck in your head as well as brilliant melodies. Buy it, you won't regret it. By the way, I never write reviews, that's how great this album is.

Beautiful.

by
Singingfreakshow

What a beautiful album! I expected the songs' structures and stylings to be a lot more like Radiohead. You would think that being a part of something so stylized for so long that he would unconsciously not be able to do something so completely different. It is a pleasant surprise! I love it! ...also, I think it's hilarious that there are not really any drums on the album :)

Biography

Born: May 23, 1967 in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England

Genre: Alternative

Years Active: '90s, '00s, '10s

Philip Selway followed in the footsteps of Radiohead bandmates Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood by releasing a solo album, Familial, in 2010. Previously known for his drumming, drum programming, and occasional background vocals, Selway slipped easily into songwriting mode while also switching to guitar. The groundwork for his solo album came with his participation in Neil Finn's 2001 all-star concerts, dubbed 7 Worlds Collide. 7 Worlds Collide later took the shape of a group and released an album,...